Noted Celtic fiddler Patric Petrie will perform as part of the Feb. 1 "Sounds Like San Diego" concert at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. Other featured artists at the all-ages musical celebration include Jack Tempchin, Joe Harris, Marie Haddad and at least six other solo acts and bands.

Noted Celtic fiddler Patric Petrie will perform as part of the Feb. 1 "Sounds Like San Diego" concert at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. Other featured artists at the all-ages musical celebration include Jack Tempchin, Joe Harris, Marie Haddad and at least six other solo acts and bands.

The holiday falls during Lent, a 40-day period when Catholics give up bad habits. But if you’re Irish, you’re allowed to veer off course on March 17 and toast a few pints in honor of St. Patrick.

Obviously, the holiday has since evolved into the green-beer party it is today. So, whether you’re very, a little or not at all Irish, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to honor Ireland’s patron saint.

Here are some of San Diego’s biggest celebrations. Just remember to wear green.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival

Saturday

This family-friendly event, put on by the Irish Congress of Southern California, kicks off with a lively parade around Balboa Park, where you’ll see horses, colorful dancers and plenty of clovers. It’s followed by a festival that showcases everything from Irish musicians and green beads to corned beef and Guinness beer. The 32nd annual celebration also features a Kids Zone, a Celtic Village and live music throughout the day.

Shamrock 2012

Saturday

The Gaslamp gets its annual St. Patrick’s Day Astroturfing at this adults-only celebration. The area will be blanketed in green for a party that features bands like the Young Dubliners, as well as DJs, Irish River Dancers and tons of whiskey.

Details: 2 p.m. to midnight. Along Fifth and Sixth avenues in the Gaslamp Quarter. $40 in advance, $45 at the door. (619) 223-5008 or
sandiegoshamrock.com

North County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

Saturday

Vista joins the St. Patrick’s Day festivities with its first-ever parade and festival. Along with the fiddling and beer-drinking, this event will also feature a Limerick Reading and Writing Fest, a scavenger hunt for gold, a contest for the cutest redheaded and freckled-face child, a Celtic Queen pageant and much more.

St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run

Saturday

St. Patrick’s Day is not all about drinking beer. It’s about running and then drinking beer at the Rady Children’s Hospital’s St. Patrick’s Day 10K. For those who just can’t wait to drink but feel guilty for all the empty calories consumed, shorter 2- and 4-mile runs are offered. About 2,500 participants are expected at the event, which will host a costume contest with prizes, pizza and, of course, a beer garden.

Six Nations Rugby Championship at The Field Authentic Irish Pub

Saturday

The Field will open its doors at a special time on St. Patrick’s Day to broadcast Ireland’s favorite sport, rugby. The Six Nations Championship rugby tournament features bouts between Italy and Scotland, Wales and France, and England and Ireland. For a further opportunity to indulge in Irish culture, the pub will offer its full food and beer menu.